Jade's Kaleidoscope': UPT's up-and-coming thespians premiering show

The Ukiah Players Theatre is in its 36th season, and Repose in Action -- the troupe's next generation of thespians -- is taking up the helm, bringing youthful relevancy and vitality to the organization.

"Repose in Action is a youth team theatrical troupe that is responsible for all aspects of their performances - costumes, tech, choreography and writing their material, with the support of adult mentors," says Jenny Peterman, production and facilities manager for UPT and Repose in Action's artistic director.

"Student teams learn to do theater and create a functional, supportive community through the arts," Peterman explains. The project was launched in 2011 by Peterman and co-founder Tami Tripp, and rapidly expanded from four students to more than two dozen.

"When we built the playhouse, it took huge efforts by young people. How do you get that back? Creative, birthing energy is hard to replicate," says UPT co-founder Kate Magruder. By offering real-time theater experiences with real responsibilities, deadlines and commitments, the UPT family is kindling the dramatic spark for the future. "It's so important that we're there for the next generation. It's about getting their feet wet, feeling needed and making the Playhouse their second home," says Magruder.

The kids learn from seasoned UPT veterans including Ellen Weed, Kate Magruder. Ray Gifford and Dan Spears. Beth Gallatin has been enlisted to help with costumes, and Ivory Reid is acting as a guest choreographer. The Ukiah Daily Journal's own Brian Maneely is providing circus arts training to the group. "The students are expected to pull their weight. They are not only hard workers but they are humble, directable people who are eager to learn from their mentors," says Peterman.

The students range from ages 13 to 19. "We sit down with the kids, see what their specific interests are and tailor their involvement to those interests," says Peterman. Adult mentors pass on their wisdom and teach aspiring thespians and technicians the tricks of the trade.

"I started with acting, but a lot of people are doing a lot of tech. I really enjoy this because it's a truly safe place for us to grow in a way that normal' life doesn't allow us to," says Jazlyn Kraft.

"This gives us opportunity to learn tech and theater from very experienced people. We create really strong bonds with the people we work with," says Kaley Keiser.

"Modern day society is so set. We get to choreograph what we want to do, sing what we want to sing," notes Bailey Grivette.

"I think this is an awesome group - to be around people who love to do what I want to do, which is being artistic and making people happy. I've known these people before, but we've grown together and we have new abilities," says Oscar "Oz" Montelongo.

"It's not just a place to learn new stuff - it's also something to look forward to. It gives us a safe place to be and fun people to be around and feel comfortable with," says Shannon Sawyer.

"We get something we don't get anywhere else - a place to create something we can call our own. In society, things are generally already created. We can use our brains, make something up and have people clap for you, which is fun," smiles Jordan Wagner.

"Jade's Kaleidoscope" is the group's upcoming production, which will be debuting in April.

"We started working on this show after we finished Around the World in 80 Days,'" says Mil? Mor?. "People started brainstorming and brought in their own ideas for the show. It took a while for us to get this together, but it's turned into something that's going to be really great," he notes.

Susie Slinkert is playing Jade - a girl who is dealing with family problems she doesn't want to face. "Her father keeps pushing her to deal with things in a bunch of ways, but each time she retreats into her fantasy world where all the people are always trying to escape their issues. In the end, she finds a way to communicate with her family," says Slinkert.

"We find in this group that it's common to be in unique family situations. A lot of the issues brought up in the show are taken directly from the kids' lives," says Peterman.

"It takes a while for us to decide what we want to do and what we think about our character. Then Jenny alters the character after we improvise so that the character resonates with us," says Bailey. "Kaley is a very gentle person, so we created her character as a mean person - a role that is a challenge for her," says Peterman.

"The parts are customized for us," says Jordan Wagner. "Jenny knows us and knows what we are trying to communicate," she continues.

"Be prepared for fantastical, gorgeous costumes, masks as well as people in jeans who work in a mechanic's shop," says Jazlyn. "Kaitlyn Linney and the Ravenheads, Ukiah High seniors are making the masks for the performance as part of their senior project and have been a great support," says Peterman.

"Everything is free to the kids. We operate on community support, because we believe that the arts and mentorship should be free to everyone. So of course, we welcome all types of support - of time and resources," Peterman concludes.

"Jade's Kaleidoscope" will be performed Friday, April 12, Saturday, April 13, Sunday, April 14, Friday, April 19, Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21. Tickets are available at the UPT box office and the Mendocino Book Company. For information, phone 462-9226 or visit Facebook.com/ReposeInAction or www.ukiahplayerstheatre.org